Eight Valentine's, but what did we do last year?

On this, our 8th annual Valentine's celebration, we decided to explore the downtown night life of Denver. The trip, which began with us both ordering extra hearty portions of pasta at The Olde Spaghetti Factory, was a wonderful success. We explored the adventures of the 16th Street Mall, where Chris tried desperately to get me to try on a full-fledged wig at none other than "The Wig Store," ( I refused!) and where we later ran into a friendly gentlemen who willingly recommended restraunts to us, as well as congratulated us on our engagement and ordered a horse-drawn carriage for us which we politely declined.

We stayed at the Comfort Inn within walking distance of the Colorado Performing Arts Center, and it was for once, quite comfortable. We had tickets for the Colorado Symphony Orchestra Pops performance of the Most Romantic Classics, Part Deux. Despite the location of our nosebleed seats we enjoyed the symphony immensely and are still humming our favorites from Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera. It was also a chance for Chris to give me my annual "What's that instrument?" lesson seeing as none of the symphonic band members were playing the ukulele. (How odd!) We rounded out the evening with late night cheeseburgers and hot wings and by watching the women's moguls in Torino. We really had a wonderful time, and were reminded once again about what a wonderful time we always have together. I love how we never get bored of one another!

At any rate, the events of this Valentine's did spark a spirited conversation about all our previous celeberations. After much wracking of our ancient brains we have been able to recall everything we have done each Valentine's, except for last year! There was the 1st Valentine's, spent squished in the back of Drew's white chariot with Mike and Becca on the way to Broomball, such fun! The second Valentine's, performing with the hula halau at the Sounds banquet, and a late night dinner in Indy at the Loon Lake Lodge-- yummy. The third Valentine's, when Chris sent a dozen roses to me in Ireland, Justin sent a dozen to Lori, and lo and behold Barrett sent a dozen to Suzanne (meaning?!). The fourth Valentine's, going to the Sounds banquet with my beautiful date Becca and eating hardened steaks at Texas Roadhouse with Chris. The fifth Valentine's, eating surrounded by children at the Rainforest Cafe in Woodfield Mall and a lovely visit from Nate and his then current babe, Ann. The sixth Valentine's, Awesome Italian in downtown Chicago, ushering Blueman Group at the Briarstreet Theater and drinks in the Signature Room with Kris and Bridgit. But last year, well that remains a mystery!

It is clear however, that many of our favorite occassions were spent with dear friends. So, even though Valentine's is a contrived holiday created for florist's and candy-maker's, I think this year, with cards from friends and from family, Chris and I realized that Valentine's is just a really great excuse to say again, "Hey, I love you, and I really mean it!"